Milpitas, California | The North American Punjabi Association (NAPA) has written to Punjab (Pakistan) Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, expressing deep concern over the reported demolition of the 125-year-old Gurdwara Singh Sabha at Farooqabad in Punjab, Pakistan.
In his letter, NAPA Executive Director Satnam Singh Chahal strongly condemned the destruction of the historic Sikh shrine and urged the Chief Minister to publicly denounce the incident, order a transparent judicial investigation, and ensure that all those responsible are brought to justice.
“The demolition of Gurdwara Singh Sabha is not merely the destruction of a building. It is an attack on the shared cultural, religious, and historical heritage of Punjab. Such incidents deeply hurt the sentiments of millions of Sikhs across the world,” Chahal stated.
NAPA noted that the century-old gurdwara held significant historical importance in the Sikh reform movement and formed part of Pakistan’s rich multicultural heritage. The Association emphasized that protecting minority religious sites is both a constitutional responsibility and an international obligation under principles safeguarding freedom of religion and cultural heritage.
In the letter, Chahal also urged the Government of Punjab, Pakistan, to launch a comprehensive survey of all historic Sikh gurdwaras throughout the province. He called for a long-term conservation and restoration programme in collaboration with the Evacuee Trust Property Board, heritage experts, archaeologists, and representatives of the Sikh community to preserve these priceless monuments for future generations.
NAPA further requested enhanced security arrangements for vulnerable Sikh religious sites, strict action against illegal encroachments, and regular monitoring to prevent further incidents of vandalism or unauthorized demolition.
“Pakistan has earned international goodwill by facilitating Sikh pilgrims through initiatives such as the Kartarpur Corridor. The same commitment should now be reflected in the preservation and protection of every historic Sikh shrine across Pakistan,” Chahal said.
NAPA expressed solidarity with Sikhs living in Pakistan and around the world and urged the Punjab Government to take swift and visible action to reassure minority communities that their places of worship and cultural heritage will be protected.
The Association stated that a prompt response by the Government of Punjab would reinforce Pakistan’s commitment to religious freedom, minority rights, cultural preservation, and the rule of law.